What is Asia TOPA 2025? Melbourne’s Ultimate Asia-Pacific Arts Festival
Experience Melbourne’s premier Asia-Pacific arts festival—Asia TOPA 2025! From 20 February to 10 March, Melbourne becomes a stage for extraordinary performances in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts from across the Asia-Pacific region.
As Australia’s largest triennial of Asia-Pacific performance, Asia TOPA 2025 features exclusive premieres, cross-cultural collaborations, and immersive experiences that celebrate Melbourne’s rich diversity.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Melbourne, this festival offers something for everyone.
Asia TOPA 2025 Dates, Venues, and Ticket Information
Dates: 20 February – 10 March 2025
Venues: Key venues across Melbourne. View the full venue list at Asia TOPA 2025 Venues.
Tickets: Available at the official Asia TOPA website. Some events are free, but major performances are ticketed, so book early.
Asia TOPA 2025 Program: Top Performances, Exhibitions, and Workshops
Asia TOPA 2025 offers an incredible variety of performances and exhibitions that highlight the best of Asia-Pacific creativity. You can expect:
- Theatre & Dance: From traditional performances to contemporary reinterpretations, see works from leading companies from Japan, Korea, and Indonesia.
- Live Music: Enjoy concerts featuring Asia-Pacific sounds—from traditional instruments to contemporary fusion and electronic music.
- Visual Art & Installations: Explore immersive installations and digital artworks that push creative boundaries.
- Nightlife Program: Stay up late for pop-up parties, DJ sets, and Asia-Pacific club culture experiences.
- Workshops & Artist Talks: Join conversations with artists and gain insight into their creative processes.
5 Must-See Events at Asia TOPA 2025: Concerts, Theatre, and Dance
1. KAGAMI by Ryuichi Sakamoto: Asia TOPA 2025’s Mixed-Reality Concert Experience
Don’t miss this groundbreaking mixed-reality concert by legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, presented in collaboration with the art collective Tin Drum. Blending holographic visuals and immersive 3D sound, KAGAMI offers a sensory experience that reimagines live performance.
Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne
2. Milestone – William Yang with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO)
Celebrate the opening of Asia TOPA 2025 with Milestone, a collaboration between renowned storyteller William Yang, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and composer Elena Kats-Chernin. This powerful piece combines photography, narrative, and orchestral music to explore themes of identity and migration.
Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
3. U>N>I>T>E>D by Chunky Move: Asia TOPA 2025’s Contemporary Dance Highlight
Melbourne’s iconic contemporary dance company Chunky Move presents U>N>I>T>E>D, a thrilling exploration of technology, spirituality, and human connection. This large-scale outdoor performance features immersive projections and pulsating soundscapes, making it a highlight of the festival.
Venue: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
4. Pulau by Melanie Lane at NGV: Kusama-Inspired Dance at Asia TOPA 2025
Pulau is a site-specific performance created by choreographer Melanie Lane in response to Yayoi Kusama’s installation Dots Obsession (1996/2024). Performed beneath Kusama’s work in the NGV Great Hall, the piece explores themes of myth, transformation, and resistance through powerful, ritualistic dance.
This exclusive collaboration between Asia TOPA and NGV is a must-see for art and dance enthusiasts.
Venue: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Great Hall
5. Ane Ta Abia: Papua New Guinea Meets Australia in Asia TOPA 2025’s Choral Concert
Experience a unique cross-cultural collaboration as the Tatana Village Choir from Papua New Guinea joins the Australian Art Orchestra for a stirring choral performance. Ane Ta Abia merges traditional PNG melodies with contemporary Australian compositions, creating a harmonious blend of cultures.
Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
Is Asia TOPA 2025 Worth Attending? A Guide for Families, Couples, and Tourists
Asia TOPA is perfect for everyone, making it a highlight of Melbourne’s event calendar:
- Families: Enjoy kid-friendly performances, workshops, and interactive art installations.
- Couples: Share a memorable date night with world-class theatre and fine dining nearby.
- Solo Visitors: Explore performances, join workshops, and meet like-minded art lovers.
- Students & Creatives: Network with artists and attend masterclasses.
- Tourists: Experience Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene during one of its biggest cultural events.
Best Things to Do Near Asia TOPA 2025 Venues in Melbourne
Take advantage of Melbourne’s best attractions near Asia TOPA venues:
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Explore the Yayoi Kusama exhibition and contemporary Asia-Pacific art collections.
- Chinatown Melbourne: Discover Melbourne’s rich Asian heritage and enjoy dumplings, hotpot, and street food.
- Royal Botanic Gardens: Take a relaxing walk through one of Melbourne’s most beautiful green spaces.
- Southbank Promenade: Enjoy pre-show cocktails or a riverside dinner with stunning views of the Yarra River.
- Bourke Street Mall & Emporium Melbourne: Combine your festival experience with shopping in the heart of Melbourne.
How to Get to Asia TOPA 2025: Best Transport Options for Melbourne Visitors
By Train:
- Flinders Street Station: Closest to Arts Centre Melbourne, Federation Square, and ACMI.
- Melbourne Central Station: Best for reaching State Library Victoria and ACMI.
By Tram:
- Use Trams 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, or 72 to reach the Arts Precinct and Federation Square.
- The Free Tram Zone covers most venues—except NGV and Melbourne Recital Centre (use a Myki card).
By Bicycle:
- Melbourne has dedicated bike lanes and bike racks at key venues like Federation Square and NGV.
By Car:
- Paid parking is available at venues like Federation Square, Arts Centre Melbourne, and Southbank. Book parking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Tips for Visiting Asia TOPA 2025: Best Times, Transport, and Booking Advice
- Book Early: Secure tickets for popular shows (KAGAMI, Pulau, Milestone) before they sell out.
- Mix Free and Paid Events: Plan your visit with a blend of free exhibitions and ticketed performances.
- Arrive Early: Get to venues 30 minutes before showtime for pre-show experiences or seating.
- Use Public Transport: Trams and trains are the most convenient ways to reach Asia TOPA venues.
- Prepare for Melbourne’s Weather: February to March can be unpredictable—pack a light jacket or umbrella.
Why Asia TOPA 2025 is a Must-See Event for Melbourne Locals and Visitors
Asia TOPA 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a cultural journey through the Asia-Pacific, blending music, dance, visual art, and storytelling.
With world premieres, cross-cultural collaborations, and immersive performances, it offers a unique experience that highlights Melbourne’s global arts scene.
This triennial event is a perfect reflection of Melbourne’s identity as a multicultural arts capital, making it a must-see for locals, tourists, and arts lovers alike.
Visit movingtomelbourne.com.au for more local insights and guides.
